In Search of Human Dignity

Book excerpt: Our human dignity can be taken from us in unjust relationships, which makes resistance and a search for dignity necessary. This search can take place in different ways – in this book through academic studies in theology, ethics and education. Human dignity relates to human rights, which are also explored here; moreover, perspectives from gender and postcolonial theory inform the studies. The reflection on human dignity ends in a discussion of education, making the book a resource in addressing contemporary value issues in education. This collection of lectures, articles and papers covers a certain time period. In the texts particular themes recur, which contributes to continuity and coherence. The focus of more recently written chapters takes the discussion in new directions. Karin Sporre, with a PhD in Ethics from Lund University, Sweden, is Professor in Education focusing on values, gender and diversity at Umeå University, Sweden. Since 2001 she has been actively engaged in co-operation with South African colleagues. This has inspired comparison between South Africa and Sweden, exemplified in some of the chapters in her book "In Search of Human Dignity".